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Satellite Engineer

💰 $110,000 - $185,000

EngineeringAerospaceTelecommunicationsTechnology

🎯 Role Definition

As a Satellite Engineer, you will be at the forefront of aerospace innovation, serving as a key technical authority for our spacecraft missions. You will apply rigorous systems engineering principles to design, analyze, integrate, test, and operate complex satellite systems. This position requires a deep understanding of orbital mechanics, RF communications, and spacecraft subsystems. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists to solve challenging problems, ensuring mission success from the drawing board to deep space. Your contributions will directly impact the performance, reliability, and capabilities of our satellite constellation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Systems Engineer
  • Aerospace or Electrical Engineering Graduate
  • RF Communications Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Senior Satellite Systems Engineer
  • Lead Mission Engineer
  • Engineering Project Manager or Chief Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Ground Systems Engineer
  • Mission Operations Lead
  • RF Payload Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, model, and analyze complex satellite systems and subsystems, including communications payloads, power systems (EPS), thermal control (TCS), and Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS).
  • Perform detailed link budget analysis for satellite communication systems to ensure robust command, telemetry, and payload data links under various operational scenarios and atmospheric conditions.
  • Conduct comprehensive orbital mechanics and trajectory analysis using industry-standard software like STK to define mission profiles, optimize constellation coverage, and plan maneuvers.
  • Develop, author, and execute system-level and subsystem-level test procedures for spacecraft hardware and software, including functional, performance, and environmental (TVAC, vibration, EMI/EMC) testing.
  • Lead the hands-on integration of satellite bus components, payloads, and flight software, meticulously verifying all mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces.
  • Provide critical engineering support during launch campaigns, including final spacecraft checkouts, coordination with launch vehicle providers, and management of spacecraft-to-vehicle integration.
  • Command, control, and monitor on-orbit spacecraft, analyzing real-time telemetry to assess satellite health, performance, and respond to and resolve any anomalies or unexpected behaviors.
  • Define, decompose, and manage system requirements throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring full traceability from high-level mission objectives down to component-level specifications.
  • Create and validate high-fidelity models and simulations of spacecraft dynamics, power budgets, thermal performance, and communication links using tools like MATLAB/Simulink and Python.
  • Author and maintain critical mission documentation, including system architecture descriptions, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), verification and validation plans, and operational handbooks.
  • Interface directly with ground segment engineers to define, test, and validate the end-to-end communication architecture between the spacecraft and ground control stations.
  • Analyze long-term on-orbit telemetry data to identify performance trends, predict component degradation, and recommend proactive operational adjustments to extend mission life.
  • Lead and participate in major program reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR), effectively presenting technical analysis and defending design decisions to customers, peers, and executive leadership.
  • Oversee the technical performance and delivery schedules of external vendors and subcontractors for critical satellite components, ensuring compliance with all technical and quality requirements.

Secondary Functions

  • Support proposal development and new business initiatives by contributing technical expertise, developing concepts of operations (CONOPS), and generating engineering-level cost and schedule estimates.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing in satellite design, analysis, and testing best practices.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal engineering processes, software tools, and design standards to increase team efficiency and reduce project risk.
  • Conduct trade studies on emerging technologies, new components, and innovative architectural approaches to inform future satellite designs and maintain our competitive edge.
  • Prepare and present technical reports, white papers, and conference presentations to share key findings, mission status, and technological advancements with the wider technical community.
  • Develop custom scripts and software tools, primarily in Python or MATLAB, to automate repetitive data analysis tasks, test sequences, and operational procedures.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including program management, manufacturing, and quality assurance to ensure project milestones are successfully met on schedule and within budget.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep proficiency with satellite mission modeling and simulation software, particularly Systems Tool Kit (STK) or a comparable alternative.
  • Strong command of RF communication principles, including extensive experience performing link budget analysis, and knowledge of modulation schemes, antenna theory, and digital signal processing.
  • Expertise in orbital mechanics, spacecraft attitude dynamics, and control systems theory.
  • Hands-on experience with satellite Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AI&T), including environmental test campaigns like thermal-vacuum (TVAC) and vibration testing.
  • Proficiency in at least one high-level programming or scripting language, such as Python, MATLAB/Simulink, or C/C++, for analysis, simulation, and automation.
  • In-depth knowledge of core satellite subsystems, including Electrical Power Systems (EPS), Thermal Control Systems (TCS), Attitude Determination & Control Systems (ADCS), and Command & Data Handling (C&DH).
  • Familiarity with standard satellite communication protocols and data formats, such as CCSDS.
  • Practical experience using lab test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and arbitrary waveform generators.
  • A solid foundation in systems engineering principles, including requirements definition and management, interface control, and verification & validation (V&V) methodologies.
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and engineering specifications.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills, with a proven ability to troubleshoot complex, multidisciplinary problems in a logical and systematic manner.
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills, capable of clearly documenting complex technical concepts and presenting findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • A highly collaborative mindset with excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively within a fast-paced, cross-functional engineering team.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, accurate work.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to evolving project needs without compromising deadlines.
  • Innate curiosity and a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Systems Engineering
  • Physics or Computer Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5+ years of professional experience in the aerospace or satellite industry.

Preferred:

  • Direct, hands-on experience with the full lifecycle of at least one satellite mission, from concept design through on-orbit operations.
  • Experience with LEO/MEO/GEO satellite constellations.
  • Active security clearance (Secret or TS/SCI) is highly desirable.
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